Above the Dead...Season 1, Episode 2 "Grief"A Screenplay by Mike Decker Sam tries to survive her grief in the aftermath of the last episode... ABOVE THE DEAD .com Season 1, Episdoe 2 (61 pages) "Grief" INTRO BLACK... "Silent Night" instrumental playing... FADE IN: EXT. CABIN - NIGHT Flashes (in between moments of darkness) of that horrific
ending, of Fish lunging at Sam trying to bite her, of him approaching her, of
him at bottom of ladder, of Merry peeing herself before being bitten, of Sam's
face of shock as she screams and sobs... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (almost 4 years ago) INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT "Silent Night", still playing Christmas presents galore, a creatively decorated tree,
stockings stuffed, decor everywhere, delicious treats laid out... Dissolve to morning… "Silent Night" (dimming as background music) POV (point of view) moving through all the gifts, coming
to find a basket with baby Merry inside, as Sam is heard joyously screaming,
before running into scene, instantly hugging and holding Merry, with all the
love in the world. Standing back behind Sam, is both her moms, Brianna (32)
and Kayla (31), with hands over their hearts, enjoying the precious moment, and
looking toward Fish, who stands off recording the entire thing. Kayla begins
pointing Sam's attention toward the note in the basket, which she picks up
discovering it to be a message from Santa, thanking her for all the love she
has to provide this pup, who was found at the North Pole and needed a home. Sam looked completely blown away by the gift and where it
came from, as the two ran and played together all over the room, without a
second thought to all the other unopened gifts... DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME BLACK "Silent Night" slowly dissolving away, followed
by a horrifying scream… INT. TREE HOUSE - DAWN Sam opening eyes, just lying there a moment, until a
gasp/scream comes from below, as Sam pops right up, looking downward to the
awful scene of her dad, eating what had to be Mrs. Pederson (her bag lying next
to her, along with a cat carrier). Sam instantly burying her head, hiding from the reality
below. She rolls over a bit opening eyes, staring ahead, as if waiting to wake
from what appeared to be a nightmare. The sound below causing her to cover her
ears. Suddenly she ponders a thought, rises and walks into
bedroom, reaching for her gun, simply looking at it. Then reaches for ammo, and
loading. Again, simply staring at it. Now looking out window, at Merry's
remains, and back to gun... Suddenly, she tunes into the sound of a cat meowing. She
walks back outside, looking below at the cat carrier, lying next to the corpse
of Mrs. Pederson, who her dad continues to feast on. She quickly looks away,
crouches down against wall of bedroom, closing her eyes. Now opens and takes
another look downward, as the cat continues to meow, which begins drawing
attention from "Fish", who looks up from Mrs. Pederson (flesh/blood
all over mouth/face), over toward the carrier, and begins moving toward sound
of the cat. Sam again looks away, closing eyes. Fish comes downward
to carrier, confused how to get to the cat. Sam opens eyes, again staring at
gun in her hand. Fish continues messing with the carrier. Sam looks back down
at them. She slowly aims gun toward her dad, and holds it on him, steady at
first, before shaking, and pulling away. Suddenly, the carrier doors flings open. Sam watching as
the cat dashes away, and flees right up the tree (connected to the outhouse
side). Fish moves toward tree, looking up. Sam watches him, along with the cat,
who rests on the side of the outhouse, looking downward at Fish, who eventually
finds his attention going back to the remains of Mrs. Pederson. Sam watching her dad move back to Mrs. Pederson, before
looking away and back toward the gun in her hand. She continues staring at it.
She looks at the cat again, her dad, then again at the gun. This time she
slowly begins moving gun toward her face. She stares right at it. Points toward
her head. She closes her eyes, and keeps them closed several moments, daring
herself to fire the gun… Suddenly, she flinches, looks down and sees the cat right
against her leg. She stares at it a moment, as it then brushes up against her,
and coming up to her face. She slowly lowers the gun, before placing down next
to her… Sam fights the urge at first, but finally grabs the cat,
pulling in close for a hug, and bawling like a baby, as every emotion from the
night before, comes pouring out. Eventually the cat comes to rest in her lap,
as Sam continues to weep. Down below, "Fish" eats from Mrs. Pederson,
with a look up toward the sound of Sam crying. Several shots of the entire
area, as Sam lets it all out...
DISSOLVE TO: THEME TUNE/CREDITS Scenes of bumper-to-bumper traffic, on the highway.
People are growing impatient, becoming angry/annoyed with others, as opening
credits roll… DISSOLVE TO: INT: TREE HOUSE - LATE MORNING Sam asleep in her bed with the cat cuddled close by. Sam
slowly waking. Suddenly looks toward window, gently and swiftly she moves
around the cat to look outside. Her POV, of what little of Mrs. Pederson remained (no
Fish). Sam immediately heading out door, scanning below, with Fish nowhere in
sight. Sam cautiously lowering the ladder, and just as cautiously climbing down
it, looking all directions, with each step she took. Once on final step, just
before putting a foot on the ground, she freezes, with a look straight
ahead. Her POV, of Fish (bloated), sitting against tree
looking right back at her, but unable to move at the moment. Sam continues
staring at him while, holding that last step. She then puts her foot down onto
the ground, followed with a look back behind her, and everywhere else, before
quickly pulling foot back up. Again, staring at her dad, as tears form, she
slowly moves back to the ladder, and up it, quickly pulling it back up. She
stands there for a moment, fighting back more tears. She then walks over and
into the outhouse, closing door, to the sound of her weeping... CUT TO: Cat in bedroom, instantly running to Sam, who's opening a
can of tuna. Sam looking at it, slowly reaching into can with her fingers,
taking a small bite. Looking at it, hesitant to take another bite, before
simply placing down on ground, for the cat. Sam holding her tummy, sitting back on her bed, watching
the cat eat. She then looks over at a few boxes of her favorite junk food, and
once again begins forming tears. She sits there with her head in her lap. Suddenly, a few gunshots go off in the far distance, as
she slowly moves her head up and toward window. Now looking to the cat, who
continues to scarf. Sam moves from the bed, to the floor next to the cat, just
staring at it... DISSOLVE TO: Multiple shots flashing as the day goes on. Sam picking up cat, looking at name tag which reads
"Bailey Pederson". Sam glancing out window. Sam on floor, halfheartedly moving string for cat to play
with. Sam outside on deck of tree house, looking down toward
her dad. Sam placing down a half-eaten donut, and holding her
tummy. Bailey jumping onto bed, lying next to Sam, who lies
there staring into space. Sam now sitting on floor, crying. Bailey comes out of brush, climbing tree and back into
tree house, where Sam is watching him. Sam drinking water and suddenly reacting to something she
sees out window, while running over looking out, before running outside bedroom
onto deck, looking downward. Her POV of Fish walking away... Fish walking past brush and around corner, as Sam is seen
(in background) rushing over to, and dropping ladder. Bailey watching Sam
slowly begin climbing down ladder, looking all directions with each step. Once
to the bottom, she heads direction Fish took off in, but very cautiously, as
she keeps her eyes on the brush (lots of places for someone/something to be). Creeping around the same corner Fish disappeared around,
she becomes nervous (that he's gone), and begins almost running, before
stopping as she spots him ahead. She steps/snaps a twig, causing him to turn
toward her. She pauses, as he now comes back her direction. She turns, but
waits while realizing he didn't appear to have any speed to work with. She
begins backing up, allowing him to keep coming. Wisely, she checks her footing, and keeps an eye on the
brush and other surroundings, while backing toward the tree house. She scoops
up the cat carrier, on her way back to the ladder. She climbs, reaching the
top, just as he arrives. She grabs the ladder but leaves it there, watching him
clueless as how to use it. She sits back and simply watches him, content on
bringing his attention back to the tree house. DISSOLVE TO: Sam on tree house deck (ladder now up), using a bag of
chips to shake and make noise, as down below Fish is again approaching tree
house (after leaving again), with his attention on her and the noise she makes.
She stops, sits, and looks downward at him. DISSOLVE TO: Sam using string to stimulate Bailey. She takes notice of
Fish walking away. She shakes bag of chips again, and even sprinkles a few down
toward base of tree, to keep him close... DISSOLVE TO: Sam walking out of outhouse, tapping her hands against
tree house railing, making enough noise to attract Fish... DISSOLVE TO: Sam in bedroom on floor (next to Bailey), head against
pillow, asleep... Eyes opening... Suddenly hopping right up, running out onto deck, looking
all around for Fish. Her POV, of him nowhere in sight. She instantly puts
ladder down, climbing down, cautiously looking all around, yet careful not to
stray too far from the tree house. She now zips back up the ladder, running to bag of chips,
and back down ladder, shaking bag once on the ground. She heads around same
corner, as before, and comes face to face with him, causing her to fall
backward with a yelp, but quickly back on her feet, both frightened and
relieved (to still have her dad's presence). Again, she backs up toward tree house, leading him that
way, but this time suddenly out from the brush, comes another dead person (man
who Fish killed), lunging at Sam, knocking her right into her dad. Screaming,
she somehow crawls between his legs, popping back to her feet, but in the
opposite direction of the tree house, as both her dad and the man, come at her. Sam (crying) fights to find her focus, as she backs away
quickly, and begins going in a circle, until she has a direct route back toward
the ladder, without being in their reach. Running right to ladder, she zips on
up, catching her breath once resting up top, before again sitting down on deck,
against wall, shedding tears. She looks down at the zombies, then over to Bailey, who
nervously watches her from close by. She rises and walks into bedroom, comes
back out holding gun, and sitting back down. Staring at it, just thinking, then
looking back down at zombies, back at Bailey, then again to the gun. The other
zombie grunts loudly, and Sam finds herself tuning in to him, before looking
down. Now slowly rising, she finds an open shot, and aims gun. She stands there for several moments, before finding the
nerve to fire, which she does several times, even hitting her target once in
the chest, to no effect. She lowers the gun for a moment, just watching. Then
again raising and firing three more shots, again hitting him at least once, to
no effect. Sam ponders her next move a moment, before leaving into
bedroom. Once inside, she begins reloading. Bailey is now way up the tree,
hiding and terrified, as Sam comes back out onto deck, finding her best
location to shoot, aiming and firing six shots, the last of which nails the
other zombie in the head, instantly dropping him. Sam stands there looking from his motionless body, to her
dad, who continues to look back up at her. Sam then scans over the entire area,
before slowly crouching back down in her spot, and placing gun down next to
her. Tears forming…, Suddenly, a shot below is fired, as Sam is freaked all to
hell! POV Fish, as a second shot nails him in the head,
instantly going down, followed by an off-screen scream, from Sam... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. BRUSH - DAY POV coming from a pair of men, aiming guns forward as
they rapidly/cautiously move toward apparent danger. They begin to slow, as
they come toward the side of Fish's cabin. Suddenly, 3 shots are fired, as they
both pause... POV of one of them (RHETT), looking toward the other man,
who remains paused, (behind tree, face unclear) while listening, before he
slowly begins approaching the cabin, as Rhett follows. POV from window, of them approaching side and cautiously peeking around corner. Rhett peeks through window of house (looking right at POV), scanning area before joining the other guy, at side of cabin. Their POV of the tree house, as they both slowly move
toward side of porch, for a better look at who is below the tree house. Rhett
looking toward tree house, then all around before hesitantly following guy in
front of him, as he begins slowly moving toward Fish's SUV, and the tree house.
Brush from below is still blocking their view, of who is below the tree house. Suddenly, 6 straight shots are fired, sending both men
scattering toward the brush. Rhett into brush as other guy stops, and moves
back toward tree house, aiming his gun. His POV, of dead zombie on ground, as
he carefully moves forward, around the brush. He can see someone moving close
by the dead zombie. He aims his gun as he comes around corner. POV Scott (Fish's neighbor), with shock taking over his
expression, and firing a shot right past Fish's head. Scott gets closer, almost
hesitating before firing a final shot, right at Fish's head, instantly
flinching, as Sam's scream from above, is heard while Fish drops to the
ground... DISSOLVE TO: (Sam's scream echoing through dissolve, into
next scene) Sam stepping off ladder (face full of tears), straight
over to her dad, kneeling next to his body, unable to control her emotions... Scott's lower half steps in front of her. She looks up at
him, as Rhett also comes into view, back behind Scott, who stands there in
shock, shaking his head. Sam looks back down to her dad, fighting the urge to
embrace his bloody corpse, before crying out to him... SAM DAAAADDDDYYYYY!!! DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SCOTT'S CABIN PORCH �" DAY Rhett's POV, of the ground, before looking upward as he
approaches Scott's place, with his wife (Amy, 23, 8 months pregnant), and his
brother (Eli, 13), on porch expressing relief, at the sight of him. Amy with
tears. Door behind them looks like it had been kicked in. Rhett's grim expression as he quietly arrives. Amy
becoming nervous by his silence… AMY Rhett? Where is my dad? RHETT He's fine... Rhett just standing there quietly, still in shock... AMY Then what is wrong? RHETT Your neighbor, Fish,
he's...he's dead. (long pause as Amy and Eli look on) He was
one of those things... Scott...he...took him
down. His daughter... AMY Oh my god. Samantha? Is she... RHETT She's fine. I mean...she's not,
but she is... Cut to the tree house, where Scott climbs off ladder, looking
back up, before slowly walking away, with a shake of his head. He stops for a
second, starts to go again, but hesitates, before taking a step back, toward the
tree house with a look up at it, and then again turning and finally walking
away. A few steps later he again stops, this time his attention
over toward the cabin. His POV of Merry's remains. Again, he looks to the tree
house, again shaking his head, he resumes walking back to his place... Cut back to Scott’s porch.
Are you sure he was one of
those things? RHETT (nodding) I just don't know why. Scott
said he was fine, when he left here last night. ELI (looking all
directions) He must have been bitten. Amy emotional/frightened, with Rhett placing his arm
around her, as they stand there waiting for Scott... ELI You really think that little
girl's the one who fired all those shots? RHETT Unless there's someone else up
in that tree house, with her. ELI Just hard to imagine... Amy suddenly coming out of brace from Rhett, heading
straight to her dad, who was just arriving. AMY Is she okay? (hugging him) SCOTT I doubt it. AMY Where is she? What did she say? SCOTT Not a thing. She's grieving, in
shock, like the rest of us. She doesn’t want to
leave the tree house. AMY She didn't say anything, though? Maybe I should go talk to her? SCOTT It's worth a try. She has food
up there, but I doubt she's eaten, so start
there. Amy already heading away. RHETT And babe, we really need to
know what happened here, last night. SCOTT I tried asking. Promised her
we'd do everything we can to get her to her
family. ELI From what I've heard of her
family, that sounds like a good idea. Cut to the tree house, where Sam sits on bed, simply
dazed and staring straight ahead, for several moments, before Amy waddles
inside, out of breath. AMY I don't care how impressive
this mansion tree house is, unless there's a secret
elevator around here somewhere, I'm either never
coming back up, or never climbing back down...(taking
seat next to Sam, with a semi smile) At least not for
(rubbing her belly) a couple more weeks, or so... Sam, I'm
not even going to say how sorry I am. I doubt it's really
what you need to hear, right now. I'm just going to sit here
with you for a little while, and talk, or not talk. Or just listen
to you. But I will say this, Sam, I am scared to death, right
now. I have a baby, about two weeks from coming into a
world that no longer makes any sense. That terrifies me more
than I have yet to admit to myself (Sam slowly looking at
her), and certainly not to my husband, or his baby
brother. Maybe that's the reason I can be so brave, to this
point. I keep lying to myself about just how worried sick I am... Both of them sitting there in silence... Dissolve to Scott, Rhett, and Eli, arriving at Fish's
porch, as Amy meets them there. SCOTT Any luck? AMY Got her to look at me for a
moment. RHETT But she didn't talk? AMY Not a word. RHETT (impatiently
annoyed) Well then, so what's the play
here? SCOTT We're staying right here, it's
safer than my place, and that little girl needs us. AMY Yes, she does, and honestly,
she's got the right idea. I'd feel safer up there,
than in (nodding to cabin) there. SCOTT I was thinking same thing, and
that waiting here for her family makes more sense
than trying to get to them, for now. DISSOLVE TO: INT. TREE HOUSE BEDROOM - DAY Sam on bed, with sound of others out on tree house deck. SCOTT (OS (off-screen)) That one's the bathroom, we can
set up over here, in the other room, for
now. Others seen walking by, carrying items to other room, as
Scott comes to doorway, looking in at Sam. SCOTT As promised, we're going to
keep you safe, until your family arrives. We've got
plenty of our own food and supplies, so won't be
bothering you for yours. We can give you your
space as well, and set up over in the next room.
But you're free to sleep where we do, if you want
to, Sam. Sam lying there silently... SCOTT And when you're ready to talk,
we're here for that, too... Sam remains silent, as Amy arrives behind her father,
moving around him, entering room with her things. AMY Out Dad, this is the girls room,
for now, stinky boys next door. Scott a proud smile, as he
heads away, Amy begins settling in. AMY So...anything you need to talk
about, say, ask, do...just let me know,
absolutely anything. As for me, I don't even know where
to begin. So, I'm just going to dive right
in. Sam lying there silently, with a blank stare. AMY We're all going to take a few
minutes to settle in, then we'd like to put your
dad to rest, maybe say a few words. Sam begins shedding tears and
turning over, away from Amy. AMY I know it's hard to think
about, Sam. My husband Rhett and his brother, just
lost both their parents, yesterday. I don't even think
I've had the chance to tell them how sorry I am. We
all have to be so brave right now. Sam doesn't move, but finally speaks. SAM How'd they die? Amy unable to smile, but an accomplished nod, as she
finally breaks through with Sam. AMY I tell you what… I'll tell you
what happened to us out there, if you can tell me
what happened here... Sam lying there without a response... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (a day ago) EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY Bumper-to-bumper traffic, with no one moving on a
one-way, highway. Some people outside their cars standing or lounging around. POV finds Amy in a chair, next to her car, along with
Rhett, his parents (John and Saara), and Eli. Saara approaching Amy, after
Rhett walks away from her. SAARA Hanging in there, sweetheart? AMY Oh yeah, ever since I became pregnant,
I've dreamed of giving birth in a field,
next to a backed-up highway, in front of a ton of complete
strangers, just before, or as the world is mysteriously ending. ELI I think I've seen that movie. Amy a sneering look at Eli. SAARA Well, maybe it'll happen in
your next pregnancy, cause you've got about four
weeks until my first grandson is born, and I'm sure
whatever this virus is, it'll be long gone by then,
and you'll be giving birth in comfort. RHETT It's more
than a virus, Mom. People are losing it, the roads
are backed-up everywhere. Something
else is going on... JOHN No need in
conspiracy theories and getting everyone paranoid.
That’s what CNN is for. RHETT A couple of us should at least
hike forward and see what's going on. Come on,
Eli. ELI Yeah, cause uh, I've seen that
movie too! Amy actually blurting out a laugh this time. AMY I agree with the kid, let's
stick together. RHETT (frustrated) Well, then let’s break out the
BBQ and enjoy the beautiful day, why don't
we? SAARA Rhett! RHETT I don't understand why
everyone's so laid back, right now? JOHN (sarcastically) You're
right, everyone, panic!
Son, look at your wife, she's
making you look bad. AMY Oh, I've
been making him look bad since five minutes
before I met the guy. Amy a smiling stare at Eli... ELI What? AMY Figured you
saw that movie, too. ELI That's not a movie, it's a
documentary. One I've been living for thirteen years. Rhett rolling eyes and walking off. John going after him. AMY Oh, come on, babe. John side by side with Rhett, walking off just a ways
from the others. JOHN You make a
good point, son. You just have to remember that
your wife is pregnant, your brother is
only thirteen, and your mom, well, she's only a
woman. (Rhett a crooked smile and shake of his
head) They're all scared. If they see you unable
to hold it together, it's only gonna’ make it all
the harder, for them. RHETT What if things don't get
better? How is she going to have that baby on a mountain
with no hospital or doctor? JOHN Is that what's bothering you? RHETT I'm just not sure coming up
here was the right play. JOHN So, you'd rather her be in a
hospital flooded with people, suffering from that
virus? Your son born, and exposed to a bug that's
killing full-grown adults? RHETT Well, what's the alternative
here, Dad? She gives birth In Scott's cabin,
and we all live off the mountain? JOHN What about
that neighbor and his compound, I keep hearing
about? RHETT A compound located somewhere in
the coast range, complete opposite
direction we're heading...were heading. JOHN But (cut off) RHETT Yes, I understand, Scott's
neighbor was up here earlier, but you really think
that's still the case? If he's not already heading for
that compound, he certainly will be by the time
we show up. Suddenly, several gunshots are heard in the far-off
distance, as they turn to face it. JOHN What the? RHETT How far off was that? Suddenly, they take notice of two guys, huffing and
puffing, as they hustle through the traffic, heading opposite direction.
John/Rhett begin moving back toward car, and spotting another guy, moving
quickly through all the traffic. As they arrive at the car with the others,
more and more people can be seen hustling away from the highway, some of them
into the fields/brush, most of them fatigued. AMY Babe? All of them simply studying the people running, and
looking all around for answers... JOHN Saara. (a look right at her)
Shotgun. Saara immediately to trunk, as Rhett approaches a young
guy (DJ, college-aged), who stops running to catch his breath, while leaning
against a tree, off of the highway. RHETT Hey! What is everyone running
from? DJ That's what I was asking at
first, when it happened! Everyone just began running
past me! RHETT And that was enough reason for
you to abandon your car and run for your
life?! DJ No! Dude, let me catch my
breath! Rhett taking notice of more people running off into
field, others getting out of their car to see what's happening, while some get
inside locking doors… John arriving. DJ I stood there watching for a
minute. Suddenly, some woman up ahead, began
screaming, as if she was being killed. Looked like some guy
just climbed in her car and began attacking her. No one
helped, they just scattered like it was a horror movie. I
think he was stabbing her over and over, or something! People
began running everywhere, even trying to drive
off, and nailing the cars in front of them. It was
complete pandemonium. Two more guys running by and shouting at them. GUY #1 Get out of here! People started
shooting some guy for no reason! RHETT (yelling back at
him) People? As in plural?! GUY #2 Yes! It's a terrorist attack,
get off the highway! JOHN SAARA! John instantly turning around to Saara, who just arrived
handing him the shotgun. He c***s it and looks all around, at the rising
commotion. A few people nervously locking doors, at sight of John with his gun.
Some people even trying to make room to drive off. Ton of honking and people
yelling at others in their way. More and more people running from highway. More
gunshots up ahead, are heard. ELI Dad, what's going on?! JOHN (shaking head) I don't know, it's complete
chaos. Saara, where's those binoculars? Amy, Eli,
grab whatever you can that we'll need, in case we
have to run! AMY Run?! Where and how far exactly
am I supposed to run?! Saara grabbing binoculars in a hurry, and handing to
John. JOHN Seriously guys, whatever you
need and let’s go over here to the side, and use
that brush, in case we have to hide. Grab as much
of the food as you can! (looking to DJ) What's
your name? DJ DJ. JOHN We're stronger in numbers, DJ.
So, stick around. You get our backs, we'll have
yours. Everyone grabbing a few things. John using binoculars. POV through binoculars, of curious/paranoid onlookers,
and people locking themselves in their cars. Some people retreating. RHETT What do you see? JOHN Not much. AMY What is going on?! JOHN Moment I figure it out, you'll
be the first to know. John allowing Rhett to look,
as John grabs his pack from the car. Others with packs are ready to go, as John
leads them to the side of highway, near some brush where they settle in and
look on. John grabs binoculars from Rhett, and looks around. POV through binoculars, of more and more people deciding
to abandon their cars. Binoculars freeze, as John can see extremely frightened
people scattering and screaming. He looks all around, coming to find someone
(zombie) strangely walking toward those who are running. POV John putting down binoculars, and looking outward. JOHN What the... Looking through binoculars again. RHETT What?! AMY What is it?! John simply handing binoculars to Rhett, pointing him in
direction to look. ELI Dad? POV through binoculars, of zombie. AMY (OS) What?! RHETT (OS, looking
through binoculars) What is he...infected, or? Suddenly, zombie shot in head, instantly going down.
Rhett drops binoculars, as John grabs them. RHETT Someone just blew his head off! ELI What?! AMY Blew who's head off?! Someone
sick? POV through binoculars, John scans area around dead
zombie, as onlookers slowly creep in for a peek. SAARA (OS) Is that what's happening?
People are killing the sick? RHETT (OS) Anything? John handing Rhett binoculars. ELI Shouldn't we be going? JOHN Go where? We’re not leaving the
car unless we have to. DJ Did the guy who got shot, look
like the one on the internet yesterday? Rhett putting down binoculars, as he and the others all
turn to stare at DJ. JOHN What guy? DJ None of you guys saw that? ELI I know what you're talking
about, but thought that was fake. (looking to his
dad) What did that sick guy look like? JOHN Like he was something more than
just sick. Strung out on something, even your mother never smoked! DJ That's the guy on the internet! RHETT What the hell happened with
this guy on the internet? DJ It was in Los Angeles. Some guy
from a crash, looked just like what you
described, and was going after people. Think he
even bit someone. They shot him several times,
but he never went down, until he took one to the
head. ELI Hence the reason I figured it
to be fake. Others looking to John for his thoughts... JOHN He did look like he was
aggressive, like he really wanted his hands on someone. AMY You're
really scaring me here. What does this mean? Everyone speechless and looking amongst each other... DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME INT. TREE HOUSE - DAY POV Fish's body, panning back as Rhett and Scott go to
pick him up, and begin carrying him away. Suddenly, Sam can be heard crying, above, and hustling to
the ladder. SAM DADDY! (climbing down) Scott and Rhett stopping, waiting for her to arrive. SAM You put him down! They begin lowering him down, as she simply sits down
next to him, weeping… Scott motions for Rhett to step away with him, as he
walks over to ladder, watching from there. Rhett remains, standing there
watching her for a moment, before turning and walking opposite direction, from
Scott. As he turns, a tear can be seen forming, in his eye. From above, Amy watches, with a tear of her own. Eli
turns and walks back into the room... Scott walks back over to Sam... SCOTT It's time to say goodbye, Sam.
Take as long as you need to, but once you're done,
it's time to put him to rest. Say your goodbyes,
sweetheart. Tell him how much you love him. Tell him
how much I wish he was here with us... Scott walking back over to ladder, keeping his eyes on
her... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago) EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY RHETT It definitely seems to be
calming down. No more running, but someone up the
road a ways, seems to be dead. Family is crying
and he's just lying there (concerned looks from the
others)... Why aren't the police responding to
this? (dropping binoculars with a troubled look
at his dad) And if not responding to that, then
when can we expect any help clearing this road? Everyone again speechless, while pondering that thought.
Rhett simply shakes head, and goes back to binoculars. AMY He's right, there's no end in
sight, here. JOHN Just waiting here might be
pointless. ELI What do we do if we don't wait? JOHN Amy, how far is your dad's
place from here? AMY Pretty far, but our only
option. RHETT Is it really that far? AMY Probably not, just my pregnancy
talking. But it's at least seven or eight miles,
another five after the turnoff. We'll have service
shortly before that turnoff. JOHN So, he could pick us up from
there? ELI That's doable. Rhett scanning highway with binoculars. JOHN Only problem, we can't use the
highway. (looking at Amy) What's the landscape
like, from here to there? Not ideal, I take it? Rhett freezes. POV through binoculars, of commotion up
the road a ways, where he had mentioned someone being hurt, or dead. RHETT (OS, through
binoculars) Something's happening. Everyone looking his direction. Rhett hands binoculars to
John. POV through binoculars of worried onlookers, before they
all suddenly go scattering away, with extreme fear. JOHN Oh God, here we go again. John handing Rhett binoculars, and holding up his
shotgun, as Rhett looks on. AMY What is it? JOHN Everyone started scattering.
Come on, everyone get your stuff, we're moving
further off the highway. RHETT It's another infected, maybe
the guy I thought was dead! Dad's right, we have
to move. Everyone quickly loading up, and following DJ, who
already is heading for another sheltered area, along the ridge of a hill, where
the field ends. Rhett and John quickly heading up there to investigate, and
quickly figure out their options, while Eli and Saara help Amy along. JOHN This won't work. Maybe to hide,
but not if we wanna’ keep going east. Rhett looking through binoculars. DJ Maybe hiding first, is a good
idea. East, once we know more. JOHN I'm starting to like this kid. RHETT (still on
binoculars) Okay, we have a ton of people
now, not running, but just hiking, all of them
together. Rhett handing binoculars to John. DJ How many? RHETT Like, all of them. Amy just making it up the hill with the others. AMY What do you mean? POV through binoculars, of a large crowd of people,
hiking together along freeway, going west. RHETT (OS) Like everyone in this traffic
jam. Minus the ones who already ran by, or
scattered off into the hills. POV Rhett and others watching the chaos, as John remains
on binoculars... RHETT They all just left their
vehicles...from what? More infected? JOHN They're stopping now, some of
the ones in front are scattering off the highway,
coming our direction. POV through binoculars, as John scans west, then going
east to the hiking group, and spots the zombie, now heading toward the
scattering hikers. JOHN (OS) The infected guy is heading
right for them. That's why they're scattering. POV Amy and others getting anxious. RHETT They're scattering from one
sick person. I wonder how many sick people brought them this direction? John dropping binoculars with a look at Rhett. Then back
on binoculars, going as far east along the highway, that he can. His POV, of the endless crowd. Sound of Amy becoming
emotional, followed by everyone frightened at sound of shotgun, down on the
highway. John moving back west, spotting the zombie, as another gunshot goes
off, this one taking the zombie down. POV John. Saara with arm around Amy. JOHN This is insane. (still on
binoculars) I mean, I guess it's a good thing that they're
able to take these guys down, but... Handing binoculars to Rhett. ELI Someone killed the sick guy? AMY They just shot him? JOHN Nothing I wouldn't have done.
He was aggressively heading right at them. Whether
contagious or not, which he has to be, he looked dangerous. RHETT (on binoculars) Something's
happening again. AMY God, now what? RHETT Looks like panic from the back
of the crowd, this time. Lot of people turning and
looking, few more dispersing from the
highway. Suddenly, a few gunshots (further away, end of crowd on
east side), followed by a ton of them, as Amy and others become more anxious. A
few people/groups who had been in the field, or hiding near highway, are now
making their way onto the ridge and into the trees/brush, near or around Amy
and others. Eli taking in the surreal scene. ELI Talk about a scene from a
movie. Saara, putting her other arm around Eli, bringing him in
close with her and Amy, as they watch on. Rhett offering binoculars to John,
who declines (too busy holding shotgun) as Rhett continues to watch, with more
gunshots heard. RHETT What's our play here, Dad? This
gets out of hand, what are we doing? (looking at
his dad) Amy can't go much further up this hill.
Anyone who doesn't go up the hill, probably goes
west. Only way east Amy's going to make it, is
along that highway. JOHN We wait for now. At least until
that crowd gets out of our way. POV through binoculars, of more and more people in crowd
beginning to panic or disperse. RHETT (OS) Becoming
much more in our way, is what I'm afraid of. Several more gunshots (this time closer), followed by the
crowd fully breaking up, as most of them go off the highway, into the field,
heading either west or toward Amy and them. POV Rhett coming off binoculars. RHETT Yep, this is it! DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME INT. FISH'S CABIN HALLWAY - DAY Close-up Rhett, as a tear runs down his face, panning
back to him standing there looking at a framed photo of Fish, and his
parents... Cut to to close-up of Sam, as tear runs down her face,
panning back to her sitting there looking down on her dad... Cut to close-up of Eli, lying in bed of tree house
"boys" bedroom, as a tear runs down his face, panning back to him on
his phone, looking at pictures of his folks... Cut to close-up of Amy (teary eyed), panning back to her
view below, of Sam sitting next to Fish... Cut to close-up of Scott, watching Sam, panning back
revealing zombie (in a trailblazer jersey), reaching out of brush, placing
hands through ladder, and around Scott's neck (to his shock/surprise). Quick shots of both Sam and Amy, completely startled, as
Scott cries out and fights for his life. Cut to Rhett inside, hearing/moving toward the
commotion... Cut to Zombie's biting grasp, of Scott's neck, being
blocked by ladder, as he tugs himself free. Eli comes running out of room. Scott stands in front of
Sam, reaching for his gun and pointing toward zombie (now around the ladder),
heading right for them. Rhett in background, running his way toward them. RHETT DON'T SHOOT IT! DON'T SHOOT IT!
Back away! Scott taking Sam's hand, leading her away, as Rhett
arrives. They keep backing up, leading zombie away. SCOTT What the hell are we doing?! RHETT Get her back to the tree. I'm
gonna’ study this b*****d. Scott a perplexed "wtf" look at Rhett, while
leading Sam around and away from the zombie. Rhett makes noise, to keep it
coming for him, while he looks all around. RHETT Sam? Where would I find an axe?
Sam?! Sam just watching... SCOTT Sam. He's right, we have to
learn what we can about them. Your dad would do
the same thing. RHETT SAM! SAM Right here, in, in the back. (pointing
to her dad's SUV) Rhett begins going in a
circle, to change the zombie's direction. RHETT Thank you, Sam. Scott leading Sam up the ladder, where Eli helps her up
top, before she runs into Amy's welcome embrace. Down below, Rhett makes his way to the car, finding what
he needs. Without hesitation, he takes the zombie down, using rage to quickly
chop him in half. He simply circles it for a moment, studying it. Others up top, watching in disbelief. With one quick
hack, he slices its head clean off. Again, he circles it, kneeling down next to
it, watching its desire to bite him. He just stares at it. Then scans the area,
stopping at the lake. He looks back down at the zombie, and again at the lake.
Now picking it up by its hair, and walking over to the lake (axe in other
hand). Others up above, still watching and still shocked. Their
POV, of Rhett dropping axe and walking right into lake. He holds head underwater.
Eli climbing down ladder. Several shots of others, looking on. Eli approaching
lake, as Rhett continues to submerge the zombie’s head. Eli arrives, standing
there watching. Others all watching. Rhett pulling zombie back up, revealing it
still very much "alive"... RHETT This is it. This is hell on
earth. (looking right at his brother) No need to continue
mourning mom and dad, little brother. We'll be
joining them shortly... Rhett walking out of water, with head, placing it down
while picking up axe, and chopping right into the head. CUT TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago) EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY Mass chaos, as all the hikers are now off the highway,
running wherever they can. Amy watching as a guy leads his wife up the hill (a
rag with blood over her arm). Other families/groups finding hiding places near
or around them. Lost children, separated from their parents are crying below. Eli takes notice of several dogs lost/running through the
mayhem, even one cat. He watches an elderly couple, both struggling to
continue. A parent, pulling her child up the hill, and another parent picking
up his wet child, peeing himself. Eli looks at his dad, who watches the chaos,
while contemplating what to do… Rhett on binoculars. RHETT Make a decision, Dad! What are
we doing? John still just taking in the situation... RHETT Wait...I'm seeing several
infected, altogether. That's gotta’ be what everyone's running
from. Jesus... AMY/JOHN/ELI What? POV through binoculars, of at least a half dozen
"zombies", all heading off highway toward scattering crowd. RHETT (OS) Five, Six,
make that seven infected. All heading off highway,
with, or after everyone else. No doubt about it,
they are chasing everyone. But they aren't running.
It's like...(Rhett dropping binoculars/John reaching for
them) They can't. DJ Is it like…rabies? RHETT I guess...kinda. (simply
shaking his head) JOHN (looking through binoculars) They're getting too close.
These people are torn up; they shouldn't even still be
alive. AMY Do we have
to go? Where? I can't run from these
things! POV through binoculars, of 7 zombies in field, changing
their direction some, as so many different people are scattering away, in
different directions, but mostly west, and toward Amy and them... DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME EXT. BOTTOM OF TREE HOUSE - DAY Scott using hedge clippers to clip away the brush near
ladder, and any possible spots close enough for someone/something to attack
from... Rhett in a nice spot close to lake, digging, as Scott
arrives and begins helping... Eli watching from tree house. He turns and walks in the
boys room... Amy on bed, in girls room, listening to Sam, who is
finally more talkative. SAM And that's why he taught me how
to load, hold and fire a gun. Cut to Rhett and Scott digging the grave. SCOTT You need to talk to your
brother. He's so scared, he doesn't even realize how
much he's hurting. Obviously neither do you. RHETT I'm his brother, not his
father. SCOTT If this was the normal world,
I'd already be kicking your a*s, and taking your ring
off my daughter's finger, but for now, I'm gonna’
excuse that piece of crap response, as a side effect
of what’s happening. RHETT I just can't deal with him now.
I'm completely fatigued, yet currently digging a grave
for someone I never knew. I didn't even get to bury my
own parents. I just left them there. I haven't had any time
to comfort my wife, after witnessing what we all saw. I
have her health and our baby all over my mind, and
how we're possibly going to survive this, long term.
(shaking head) Just can't add to that plate, Scott. Being a
big brother/father figure for Eli, or finding time to grieve,
myself, are two things I just don't have the room for... Scott speechless... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago) EXT. FIELD/HIGHWAY - DAY Rhett helping Amy run through field, as John and DJ lead
the group toward highway heading east. John can see at least one infected person ahead, as well
as another somewhere on the highway, going after people stuck in their car. He
looks east, seeing a handful of people using a woodsy area, to escape the
chaotic crowd and zombies. He leads them that way. A shotgun is fired, coming from the highway, not far from
them. As they arrive near the brush/woodsy area, they all duck, as another shot
is fired, zipping right into the trees between them. John instantly turning and
yelling at guy, who fired the shot. JOHN DO YOU NOT SEE US RIGHT HERE,
IN YOUR BACKGROUND, YOU DUMB SON OF A
B***H!?! Zombie in between them and the guy he was yelling at, now
turning its attention toward John. Eli arriving in woodsy area, followed by
Rhett helping Amy there. Saara right behind them, instantly going down, as
another shot is fired, right into her chest. Amy splattered by blood. Rhett
shocked, stepping past Amy, toward his mother. RHETT MOM! Eli standing there in shock. John already charging
highway, dropping his shotgun once there, and simply tackling the guy, beating
the crap out of him, before picking up the man's own shotgun, and aiming it at the
guy’s head. JOHN YOU KILLED MY WIFE, AND NOW I'M
GOING TO USE THE SAME GUN TO KILL YOU;
YOU GOD DAMN FU (interrupted and shot dead) John's head blown off from behind, by friend of other
guy. RHETT DAAAAADDDD!!! FRIEND No, you're not! Friend looking behind him, at Rhett and others running
his way, then quickly helps up his friend, grabbing their guns and dashing
away, just as Rhett arrives, stops, taking in his dad's lifeless body. Others
arrive, weeping. Suddenly screaming, as zombie comes around corner, right at
Rhett, who quickly knocks zombie down (over John's body), and backs away from
him, watching. Zombie takes notice of the fresh corpse, and begins
"digging in". Rhett and others almost fall to the ground, in shock and
disgust, as well as disbelief, of what they are seeing. RHETT (crying out) What in the
hell is this?! ELI Dad, no! Amy vomiting. DJ to her aid. Rhett walking toward zombie. ELI Rhett! What are you doing?! Amy trying to gather composure, enough to look at Rhett. AMY Rh...Rhett?! Rhett arriving next to his dad, as zombie eats. AMY (OS) RHETT!? Rhett bends down, picks up his dad's shotgun, aims it at
zombie's head, and fires... He looks down at his dad's remains, still in shock over
what he had just witnessed. He slowly looks back up and around, before turning
to face Amy and his brother. Amy (face full of tears) looks back at him. DJ
helps her to her feet. Rhett approaches Eli first, who looks down toward his
dad's remains, and sobs. Rhett gives him a bit of a hug, before taking one from
Amy. He eventually turns them around, as they begin walking back toward woodsy
area. The commotion has died down. Still some people around,
but no zombies, or need to run. They all look South and West, the direction
most people took off in. Someone began screaming over near ridge area, where
they had retreated from. There is a zombie there, biting and eating into
someone. More people nervously running. Rhett in process of hurrying everyone
along, before suddenly halting and staring ahead, toward his mom's body.
Everyone else stops and looks. RHETT What the... Rhett now running that direction, as others follow. He
arrives to that spot, looks down at the blood, but her body is missing. Rhett
puts hands to head, like he's about to lose it. Amy working hard to reach him.
Eli looking all around, as is DJ, while Rhett simply screams out. DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME EXT. FISH'S GRAVE - DAY Rhett and Scott placing Fish's body into grave. DISSOLVE TO: Same place, with grave all filled in, as they all stand
around it. SCOTT Thanks for all the memories
Fish. I always enjoyed your company while you were up
here, and appreciated all the invites. I
never met a more unselfish person in my life. I hope
to repay you, by doing everything I can to get
your daughter to your family... (looking at Sam) to
her family... Silence as they all stand there over the grave... AMY Samantha? Would you like to say
something? Sam staring at the grave, already teary-eyed, as more
begin to fall. She turns and walks away. POV tree house, as Sam approaches, with others behind
her, at grave, except Eli, who is now also walking back toward tree house... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. TREE HOUSE - DAY Rhett walking into boys room, where Eli lays on his bed.
Rhett stands there looking at him a moment, before seating himself on his own
bed. RHETT I want to help. I'm just not
sure what you need to hear, right now? ELI I just want to know you're
going to be okay?! That's all I need... Rhett looking right at him... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago) EXT. WOODSY AREA NEAR HIGHWAY - DAY Rhett and others all looking around, as Rhett loses it. RHETT WHO TAKES A GOD DAMN BODY!?
WHAT IN THE HOLY HELL IS GOING ON
HERE?! Hands on his head, trying to make sense of it all.
Getting dizzy, verge of passing out. DJ and Amy, quick to get to help him. Amy
trying to give him water. AMY Drink, baby. Drink. Rhett down to his knees, taking deep breaths. Eli
completely petrified, as he watches. Rhett mumbling. RHETT It doesn't...it just doesn't
make sense. They couldn't... They couldn't have eaten her,
already. How is she gone? Amy doing her best to comfort him. DJ taking a step back,
looking past Eli with growing concern. Eli turning, coming face to face with
his zombie mother, and instantly running away from her. ELI AHHHH! MOM?!? Rhett snapping out of it, instantly rising. He begins
shielding Amy, behind him, as Mom approaches. RHETT (confused) Mom??? Rhett looking at shotgun in his hand, unable to even aim
it at her. Mom getting closer. Amy begins running off. ELI DO IT RHETT! Rhett still unable to aim at her. DJ jumps in, grabbing shotgun,
aiming and blowing her head away. Eli simply drops to his knees. Amy stops
running, makes her way toward Rhett, who's just standing there in complete
shock. DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME EXT. TREE HOUSE DECK - EVENING Rhett approaching girls room door, looking in. SAM (OS) She told us about a terrible
phone call, she had with her granddaughter. I was
so sad for her, but so happy that my dad was there
with me. (crying) Rhett walking away, and into boys room, where Eli is
writing. RHETT What are you writing? ELI It's personal. RHETT Scott needs us down below. We
need to organize and hide any supplies we're not
dragging up here. Need to go over how to stay
safe up here, while we sleep. So far, more people
are killing people, than those damn things, are. ELI Huffs... RHETT What? ELI They're called huffs... RHETT And that stands for? Eli closing his journal and getting up. ELI Alright, let's go... Eli leaving the room. Rhett a half smile... Cut to Scott’s porch, where he, Rhett, and Eli, are
boxing things up. SCOTT So, we're in full agreement?
The best play is remaining here for the long
run? RHETT Yes, they'll
make it here, long before we could make it there…
If we even could. SCOTT Then I'm thinking we dig a
supply shelter somewhere back in the brush, behind the
tree house. RHETT Maybe an alarm of some sort,
around the perimeter? SCOTT I thought that too, at first,
but why? Those things won't even know we're there at
night, and we just have to be careful during the
day. People come along at night, and see or
stumble across an alarm, and they'll know we're up
there. RHETT Hate the idea of being pinned,
up there. SCOTT Hence the reason we're
discussing it now. Better Ideas? Lets here em'. Cut to the tree house area, with the guys back behind the
tree house, off in the brush a ways, working hard inside a hole,
digging/building a place to be used for storing hidden supplies. ELI By the size of this, you must
think we'll be here a while? SCOTT I want to be hopeful, Eli, I
really do. But I also want to be prepared. ELI So, you guys don't think
there's any chance whatsoever, that the army saves
us, or whatever is happening, just
stops? RHETT Not after what we've seen,
little brother. Surviving, maybe…but being saved...only we
can do that, now. Guys digging silently... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago) EXT. HIGHWAY - EVENING Rhett and those guys resting on highway, against a car
(no one else around), and organizing their supplies. Eli's face full of dry
tears. DJ coming out of the brush with a couple hard sticks, handing one to
Eli... AMY Dad will be waiting for us at
the cutoff...I just know he will... ELI How long you think till we get
there? RHETT It's going to be a while. Few
hours maybe. We'll stay on the highway, as long as
it stays this quiet. Everyone packing up, ready to move on... DJ Rhett? Are you and I okay? You
know I had to do that, right? Amy and Eli looking to Rhett... RHETT I'm good... ELI So...they're not sick, they're
dead? (everyone looking at Eli, without response) Mom
got shot. She died, and became one of those things.
She wanted to eat you, just like the other one
ate dad. AMY Eli! RHETT He's right...that's what's
happening, that's why the hospitals were the first to
get bad. People die and they become like that. DJ Question is, why? How? RHETT Jesus? Lucifer? I don't
know...anything like this crap, In the bible? Rhett stopping, others a curious look at him, then ahead.
A very elderly man helps his wife up (after peeing behind a car), as the two of
them slowly climb back into their vehicle. Rhett continues on. Others follow.
They all walk by the car, with the elderly couple, who appear to be preparing
for sleep. Rhett simply walks right by. Amy hesitant. AMY Are we going to offer them any
help, or something? RHETT Not unless he's a retired
doctor, or something... Amy looking back at the couple inside their car, sharing
a kiss and an arm around each other, as they lay back in their seats, wrapped
by coats. Eli takes notice of a family, off in the brush, kind of
hiding, but also curious and watching them, as they pass by. Rhett glances at
them, but keeps forward. DJ shares a look with Amy, as they all continue
walking, silently through the vacated traffic jam. Eli nervously scanning
entire area. Rhett stops at a car, opening the back (can see water
through window), and grabbing the water
inside, handing multiple bottles to everyone. Amy reaches for a few more, and
hands to Eli. AMY Eli, will you please run these
down to the old couple? Just knock, and leave
them there. RHETT Eli, you will do no such thing. Amy a nasty look at Rhett. AMY What the hell is the matter
with you?! RHETT I would stop to tell you, but I
am saving every ounce of energy I have, for what we
have to do, to survive. As should all of us. We stop to
help everyone we see, then who helps us, when
we're too exhausted to defend ourselves, or never
make it to where we have to be, in order to have
any chance, whatsoever? Rhett continues on, as Amy follows. Eli hustles the water
over to the elderly couple, and quickly catches up with the others. They all
walk silently. Eventually, a baby is heard crying, off in the bushes. Rhett
closes his eyes, at the sound of the baby. Amy sheds a tear. Eli pats a dog, that wags its tail and rises, as they
pass the car it was lying next to (probably waiting for its owner to return).
It almost wants to follow them, but watches, and eventually lays back down,
next to car... DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME EXT. FISH'S PORCH - EVENING Scott coming out of cabin, freshly showered and sitting
there with Rhett, who was freshly washed himself. They could not look more
exhausted. SCOTT I've had long days before, but
this, this one shames em' all. RHETT Give it a week or two...I'm
sure long days are the new thing. Cut to Eli in his bed, staring at nothing. Something
suddenly attacks him, jumping onto him, causing a total jump-scare. Bailey
jumps back down off of him (a little frightened himself), and staring up at
him. Eli, now knowing it's a cat, signals for him to come back up, which he
does. Eli lays there petting him, and zoning off, again… Cut to Sam and Amy, sitting on dock, silently, at
first... AMY I know
you're still grieving, big time, like both Rhett and Eli are,
but I would like to thank you for your bravery, and
how much you've shared with me, so far. Not
only because it's important, for all of us to know and
figure out as much as we possibly can, about what's
going on, but also, so that you can begin to
heal. Rhett and Eli had to put their grief on hold, to get
us all through the night, and safely located
where we needed to be. They too, now need to
heal. So, thank you, Sam, for setting such a good
example. Sam silent at first, before
speaking... SAM You're easy to talk to... AMY (with an ironic
laugh) I wish my husband felt that
way. I can't seem to say anything right to him. Silence a few moments... SAM Maybe...maybe it's him, who
can't say anything right to you. Amy a surprised look at Sam. AMY Um...I have a degree that
qualifies me to come up with crap like that. What do
you, in your ten years of life, have, that makes you
discover things like that? Sam a very brief half smile, that quickly fades... SAM My dad... Amy's smile quickly fades. Again, they sit in silence... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK - (a day ago) EXT. HIGHWAY - EVENING Everyone walking highway in silence. Several moments go
by. DJ takes a swig of water. Eli looks at Amy... ELI You okay,
Amy? Amy looking at Eli, weeping
her response. AMY Oh, Eli. You're really asking
how I'm doing? Amy crying... ELI They were your parents, too.
They loved you like you were theirs. I used to
hate you, for it. AMY Really? ELI Just a little, before it turned
into a crush, which I can admit now, due to
Armageddon. AMY It's okay, I always knew. ELI You were always so easy to talk
with, and became like a sister. You
helped my anxiety. AMY I remember Rhett saying you
struggled with that, and how proud he was when you
were brave enough to join the baseball
team. But I never saw it. ELI I didn't
have it around family. Just at school and places with
crowds. Talking in front of strangers. AMY So, how did I help you with it? ELI I don't know. Talking to an
older girl, who was super cool to me…gave me
confidence, I guess. Just not enough to ever talk to
Angie Parsons. AMY Angie
Parsons? I guess you don't tell me everything
after all. ELI Was too embarrassed. I guess
nothing seems embarrassing now. Not even sure
if I'd feel anxiety, anymore, after a day like
this. Maybe if I ever see her again, I'll
actually be able to talk to her. Eli taking notice of Amy's grimace... ELI You don’t think
I'll ever see her again. AMY (shrugging/shaking
head) I sure hope so... ELI Probably never see any of my
friends again, will I? AMY (shaking head) I don't know... Eli looking to ground, as they walk on in silence for
several moments, before Eli speaks again... ELI Amy? AMY Yeah? ELI What about Mom? Do you think
any part of her was still there? Like that she
couldn't help herself? Do you think...she heard me
tell Rhett to shoot her? Rhett closing eyes a moment, at that thought. AMY I'd have to
say no. None of this makes any sense, but it'd make
even less sense if she was actually still alive. DJ Why do you think the brain
seems to be the only way to kill them? I was never a
genius in science, but doesn't that mean they're
still somewhat alive? Silence as they walk, before
Amy responds... AMY I just don't know how to answer
that. Everyone walking in silence... Rhett swigs from his water
bottle, as Amy tries to peek at his face. AMY Baby? Rhett looking back at her for a second, then turns back
around, before responding. RHETT I'm good... Everyone walking in silence... DJ suddenly drops down his
stick, walking to back door of car, and opening it. He reaches toward back
window, and pulls out a metal baseball bat, and walking on in silence, with the
others. Eli waiting for DJ. ELI You a ballplayer? DJ A mushballer. Play for a tavern
team with all my buddies... Wish I had those
guys with us, right now. ELI Is that with no glove? DJ Yeah. ELI Gloves are better, I like
laying out, making those diving catches. DJ I still do. ELI It's not the same. DJ You play high school ball? ELI Not yet, but I
can't...(corrects himself) couldn't, wait to. Just started eighth
grade. DJ You're a big kid. Figured you
were at least a sophomore. Bet you crush that
ball, eh? ELI Best feeling
ever, is trotting those bases after ya take one over
the fence. It was the only time I didn't mind
being watched by everyone. DJ Yeah, I heard you talking about
anxiety. My sister struggles with that. ELI Baseball made it so much
better. I guess because I'm good at it. Loved blowing
heat by everyone. DJ Oh, you pitched, too? You're a
complete All-Star. ELI Was... Silence for a few moments,
before Eli goes on... ELI We were
gonna’ take District next season, maybe State. Now
I'll probably never play the game again... Everyone walking in silence
several moments, before Amy speaks... AMY So, DJ, what brought you up the
mountain today? Fleeing like the rest of us? DJ Pretty much. My mom is already
at my grandparents, and laid a guilt trip by using
my sister, to get me up here. Hoping to call them once
we get service. AMY How much
further up, are they? DJ Same road you guys are going
for, but through town and about another ten
miles. AMY I wonder how
things are going in that town. If people are
getting sick there, too. DJ You think whatever is making
people sick, is what's making the dead come
back? AMY Must all be related, somehow. ELI I don't know what I'm scared of
more. Getting sick and dying, or becoming one
of those things... Everyone walking in silence... DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME EXT. FISH'S PORCH - DUSK Scott yawning, while lying back on the porch, as Amy
arrives... AMY You should get some sleep, Dad.
I'm pretty sure you never did last night. SCOTT Is that what Sam is finally
doing? AMY (nodding) She's so exhausted. I'd say
she'd sleep through the night, but who knows the
kind of nightmares she'll be battling. SCOTT I'm sure we'll all battle a few
of those. AMY Yeah...the kind we can no
longer wake up from... Rhett arriving, sitting on top of porch steps. AMY Hi, Rhett. RHETT I noticed Sam is finally out.
Any luck getting her to talk about what happened to
her dad? AMY A little, not nearly as much as
she did everything leading up to it. Three men
showed up after dark, broke inside, came back out,
and mentioned killing the dog. Her dad opened fire,
to chase them off. I guess he believed them to be
gone, went to move the car closer over, and they
jumped him...she was losing it at that point, so I
told her that was enough. (becoming teary-eyed) RHETT I don't know what I'm scared of
more...people turning into those things, or
people before they turn into those things... And
fyi, I kept the info about the dog, from Eli. With
his empathy for animals, he doesn't need to picture
that, right now. SCOTT Good call. AMY Is he
crashed? RHETT No, he's writing and hanging
out with his new friend. AMY New friend? Sam's up? RHETT No, he somehow found a cat. AMY A cat? In the tree house?
(Rhett nodding) SCOTT I don't think it belongs to
Sam. AMY She didn’t mention it. It's
probably been up there the entire time; chased up by
one of those things, maybe Fish. RHETT So, they're eating and scaring
the crap out of anything
alive. This has to be how it all ends... Holy hell, what if animals are
coming back, too!? Scott closing eyes with a shake of his head, at the
thought, but quickly opening and looking all around. AMY There'd be no escaping that. SCOTT No, there wouldn't. But that
can't be happening; we'd know about it already. AMY Those things, the dead, they
don't seem to run, do they? So, animals wouldn't
either, right? RHETT Your dad's right, we'd already
know...or be dead. All of them silent, and looking out and around... SCOTT What about the government? What
the hell are they up to. Troops must be
fighting this. RHETT If it's still even functioning. AMY They have to be. Everything was
normal just a day or two ago. RHETT Maybe they started it. SCOTT Do you have any positive
thinking whatsoever, to share? RHETT I agreed that we're safe from
the animals. SCOTT Only after you threw the damn
thought in our heads, In the first place. RHETT Just trying to make sense of it
all. Some silence... AMY Babe? I'm so sorry. We haven't
had a moment alone, since... I know it's a stupid
question, but are you okay? Scott rising and heading toward tree house. SCOTT I'll give you two some privacy. Amy sitting next to Rhett, moving into his arms. AMY I love you...and I miss you. RHETT I know, baby. I love you, and I
miss our life together. AMY Do you believe we'll get it
back, our life together? RHETT I do, I just don't feel like I
have control of whether we get it back or not, and that
kills me. Knowing I have to count on the government,
to see our boy come into a world, worth coming
into. Without them, I’m not so sure it’s
worth it. AMY The thing is Rhett, I have to
depend on someone too. You! (becoming emotional)
I can't do this without you! Rhett holding her tight... AMY (crying) I'm so sorry about your
parents, baby. I'm so sorry for what you had to go through,
what you had to witness. I'm sorry you've had
absolutely no chance yet, to even begin to grieve, over
it all. RHETT Yeah well, one of the last
things the old man said to me, was to hold my crap
together, so that everyone else could. (looking
upward) And now he's always watching,
so...can't let him down. AMY Babe! I'm fine, Eli's writing
and bonding with a cat, and we’re clear of those
things, up here...take five! Rhett taking deep breath, and lying back in her arms,
closing his eyes, and just lying there relaxing, in silence for a few moments… AMY Those things...we have to come
up with something better to call them,
than those things. Rhett's eyes remain closed, with a slight chuckle. RHETT Eli already has...(opening
eyes, thinking) Uhhh, huffs is what I believe
he said. AMY Huffs? (looking at Rhett) Do I
even want to know what that stands for? Rhett's eyes closed again, with a small smile forming. RHETT I didn't even ask. Amy taking notice of his smile. AMY There's that handsome smile of
my husband's, I've missed so much. Amy leaning in for a couple kisses.. RHETT There’re those warm lips, of my
beautiful wife, I've missed so much. Amy a couple more kisses and holding him there, in her
arms... AMY So, what is he up there
writing, anyway? RHETT I don't know, but he was
earlier too, and that's when he mentioned huffs. AMY He's using his writing to
grieve. He's such a creative kid. So is Sam. I was up there
chatting with her, and was astonished at the kind of
things she thought about. Can't believe she's only
ten... I'm thinking her and Eli should get along
really well. Both of them flinching, as suddenly Sam is heard shouting
from the tree house. SAM What do you THINK YOU'RE
DOING?! That is MY GOD DAMN CAT! Amy/Rhett a wide-eyed look at one another, before quickly
rising and heading toward tree house... Cut to Sam carrying a frightened Bailey, into girls room
and over to her bed, as Rhett/Amy climb up ladder, in background. Eli on bed, in his room with Scott, as Rhett enters. RHETT What happened? ELI That girl is CRAZY! SCOTT She used the bathroom and saw
him in here, with the cat. ELI She's a COMPLETE FREAK! Rhett instantly grabbing Eli, forcing him away. Cut to Rhett/Eli walking past cabin, away from tree
house. RHETT (angry) What the HELL are you thinking,
calling that poor little girl those names?! ELI (yelling) DID YOU NOT HEAR THE WAY SHE
YELLED AT ME?! RHETT Lower your damn voice! Do you
have any IDEA what that kid has been through! ELI (yelling even
louder) I know EXACTLY what she's been
through, because I'VE BEEN THROUGH IT TOO,
RHETT! WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?! Cause what I
saw was my dad get HIS DAMN HEAD BLOWN OFF,
before some dead person ATE HIM! And Mom... Eli trying not to cry, unable to finish… Rhett staring at him, becoming emotional himself, and
unable to respond... ELI You're so concerned with her, like you don't even know how I'm feeling. RHETT Eli...I'm hurting too. We all
are. I'm just trying to keep it together, like dad told
me, shortly before he...he died. I'm sorry, I
guess I'm not doing a very good job of it. Eli just staring out into the brush... RHETT I wasn't going to tell you
about this, but Sam had a dog. (Eli looking at him) She
hasn't told or mentioned it yet, or what
happened, but it appears maybe she witnessed it being...eaten,
by her dad. (Eli closing eyes) This is something
we don't even wanna’ bring up to her, right
now. Eli shocked, shaking head... RHETT I'm guessing that cat is the
only comfort she had, until we got here. Imagine if
you'd been alone, with mom and dad when...when it
all happened. Eli becoming extremely emotional, blabbing out his words. ELI Why is this happening? Rhett emotional, as he embraces Eli... RHETT I don't know, little brother. I
don't know... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day ago) EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY (pre-traffic jam) Van speeding east on same highway (normal traffic). POV inside, as nervous driver (young guy), looks back at
passengers. DRIVER Is he dead?! BACKSEAT GUY (OS) Jimmy, wake up! I thought he
was just sleeping, but he's cold, man; he's dead! DRIVER (eyes back on
road) Oh my God, he OD'd! BACKSEAT GUY (OS) Jimmy? Jimmy?! Oh my God, he's
okay! DRIVER (looking back) What?! BACKSEAT GUY (OS) Jimmy, what's wrong, man? I
thought you were dead! Driver's eyes back on road. BACKSEAT GUY (OS) Jimmy? What the hell man?! AHH! Driver looks back, as backseat guy screams in pain.
Driver screaming, and quickly losing complete control of the vehicle. EXT POV, of vehicle losing control, and causing a deadly pile-up,
with other vehicles/semi trucks... DISSOLVE TO: (post-traffic jam) Same POV, of the aftermath of that accident (hours
later), which has entire highway blocked. A few bodies (mostly eaten) lying
around. A small child zombie, around the corner of a flipped-over car, is on
ground eating from a corpse. Rhett can be seen arriving, coming to a stop, looking
over the accident, as the others arrive behind him, simply looking at the
devastating scene. (unaware of the small zombie, around the flipped-over car). Rhett begins leading them into the "crash
zone"... RHETT (nodding) This is where all those dead
people came from. I'd say seven or eight people,
could've easily died here today. AMY And no one apparently came for
them. Not a single cop or paramedic. DJ How can that
be? RHETT The city must be in complete
chaos... Amy looking numb/pale... AMY We're completely on our own... Amy dropping down to her knees, dizzy/trying to breathe.
Suddenly, the young child zombie, comes aggressively from around corner, of flipped-over
car. RHETT AMY! Amy tries to scream, but begins choking. Rhett rushes to
her aid, using his hand to knock the zombie down. Rising right back up, Rhett
helps Amy away from it, as DJ comes in to distract it. The child zombie goes
for DJ, who doesn't appear comfortable using his bat, as he simply backs away,
from the slow-moving child. ELI/RHETT KILL IT! DJ (hesitating) It's...I... DJ finding the strength to raise his bat, and do what is
necessary, killing the zombie with one hard blow. Amy is coughing/crying uncontrollably, as Rhett does his
best to comfort her. DJ now dropping his bat, and falling to his own knees,
fighting for oxygen. Eli looks all around, and suddenly freaks out, pointing
toward brush. POV two full grown zombies, coming out of brush, toward
the others. Rhett instantly preparing Amy to move. Eli takes a step
toward the zombies, raising his bat. But suddenly, a third one, comes out right
behind them. RHETT (screaming at Eli) ELI, DON'T THINK ABOUT IT! GET
OUTTA’ THERE! Eli turning and bolting. DJ catching up with him, as they
head toward Rhett and Amy, who are heading down open highway (no cars). Once
Rhett has Amy far enough away, he takes her to side of road, sitting her down.
He heads back toward approaching zombies. ELI Rhett? Rhett aiming shotgun. DJ and Eli watching as 3 gunshots
are fired. Amy breathing hard while watching. Rhett arriving back at her
side... ELI Oh my God, there are more
coming! DISSOLVE TO: EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Rhett and others walking empty highway (using
flashlights). Eli paranoid and shining his light in direction of every little
sound he hears. ELI It's too dark, those things
could be anywhere. Everywhere… RHETT No one has died around here,
there shouldn't be any, like there were at the
site of the accident. Rhett suddenly stopping, turning off his light. AMY What is it? RHETT Shut off your lights! Shut em'
off! DJ shutting his off, but not Eli. Amy was not using hers. ELI Are you insane?! RHETT Eli, do it, now! Eli obeys. AMY Rhett, what is it?! RHETT (pointing ahead) I saw a
light up ahead. DJ Where? RHETT I don't see it now...and that
disturbs me. Sound of paranoia from both Amy and Eli... DJ What do we do? RHETT I don't know. Whoever it is, is
either scared like us, or wants to sneak up on us.
Take us for whatever we have. AMY Maybe they just need help, like
us? DJ Was it just one light? RHETT I think so. DJ We have better numbers, a bat,
and a shotgun. RHETT What if there are more, and
they shut their lights off, before I saw them? AMY What other choices do we have,
here? Besides going on? RHETT We could wait, hide, and let
them pass. Amy turning on her flashlight
and walking on. AMY We take our chances... RHETT (sarcastically) Sure, babe. (flipping on his
light) Eli turning on his light. DJ about to do the same, before
Rhett stops him. RHETT Keep yours off, DJ. Let them
think there are four of us. Here take mine. I'm going
up ahead, and will blow their heads off, if
need be. AMY Rhett? RHETT You guys walk toward the left
side, shining your lights straight. I'll keep to
the right, and try to catch whoever it is, off guard. AMY God, be careful Rhett! CUT TO: RHETT I don't wanna’ hurt you, or
anyone with you! Rhett taking a closer look, shining light on the man's
face. POV Scott. RHETT Scott? Oh, thank God! What are
doing here? AMY, it's your DAD! SCOTT (instant relief) Oh my God, she's okay?! Scott turning on his light, running across road, and
toward oncoming lights, right to Amy, and hugging her tightly. Amy bawling with
relief... DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME INT. TREE HOUSE (girls room) - NIGHT Amy hugging Sam, and leaving room as Sam reaches for the
plate of grub, lying next to her. Amy enters boys room, where everyone is
eating. Scott puts down his plate, and fires off a huge yawn... AMY Dad, you're not going to get
any real sleep, are you? SCOTT Only until my heart gives, or I
hear myself snoring. AMY (frowning) I just realized, you won't be
able to use your c-pap. SCOTT No, and I don't want to keep
you guys up, if I do happen to drift for a while.
The snoring is really bad. I've actually been thinking
we can use this to our advantage. RHETT What do you mean? SCOTT I've been a morning person my
entire life, but that has to change. One, I can't
keep you guys up, or sound off an alert to anyone,
or...anything, down below. Two, makes sense to
always have someone awake, and watching out all
night, while everyone else is out. RHETT Makes sense. Are you going to
get any sleep during the day, though? AMY Yeah? SCOTT I imagine I'll be tired enough
to sleep more than I would at night. And easy
enough to wake, if things go bad. AMY When is the last time you
slept? ELI About twenty minutes ago...for
about twenty seconds, before the snoring
woke him up. SCOTT Yeah see, I didn't even think I
was out, until he said I scared the hell out of
him, once I began snoring. (looking at a worried Amy)
I'll be fine, If I doze, I'll be my own alarm
clock. A gunshot in the very far distance is heard. Everyone
sits there in silence for a few moments. SCOTT Too far for us to worry about.
But that is exactly why I need to be up all night. ELI I wonder if DJ is okay... DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (a day ago) EXT. BRUSHY AREA OFF-ROAD - NIGHT Scott leading others to his truck (with cover), as he
checks in back, for supplies. SCOTT We lucked out, everything is
still here. Scott unlocking doors, as everyone piles in. Amy a look
at DJ. AMY I know you're really worried
about your family. I promise tomorrow we'll get
you to them. Right, Dad? SCOTT Are you freaking kidding me?
After this kid's heroics, you better believe it. DJ Thank you. Just don't forget to
come pick us up, if there's room at that
compound, I keep hearing about. Scott starting engine... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. ROAD - NIGHT Scott's truck heading up road. Amy inside, eyes closed,
while leaning against Rhett (eyes also closed). Eli lying head back, with eyes
closed. SCOTT (OS) S**t. Everyone's eyes wide open, with approaching headlights
over their faces... SCOTT (OS) I don't know why I get so
nervous at the sight of other people. RHETT (grabbing shotgun) That's why I almost blew your
head off. The other car slowing down, as it approaches. Everyone
trying hard to look. DJ watching car, as it passes. DJ Wait...WAIT! STOP! SCOTT/RHETT What? DJ That's my mom's car; that's my
mom! Scott slamming on breaks and honking. Other car keeps
going, before cautiously stopping, down the road a ways. DJ jumps out of car,
running over to his mom's car. She eventually opens door, shocked and thrilled
to see her boy, as they embrace... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SAME ROAD - NIGHT Scott's truck parked off road, alongside DJ's mom's car,
where they all talk. MOM My sister's a nurse in
Portland. She warned me this morning, to get out of town. She
said she couldn't explain just how strange this
new virus was or the things it makes people do. Once
I got up here, my folks had even worse information,
which you all obviously experienced, firsthand.
But one of the last things we heard, before
the power went out, was not to let these things
bite you. Once they do, there is no cure. SCOTT Well, thank you for the
information. I'm going to get these poor kids home
now. MOM Thank you, for getting my boy
back to me. Thanks to all of you. Amy giving DJ a hug. Rhett shaking his hand. DJ
approaches Eli, shaking his hand. DJ Hang in there, All-Star.
Something tells me you'll get back on that ball
field, someday. ELI Good luck, DJ. Mom starting car, as DJ climbs in. Mom pulls car off side
of road, and heading away... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SCOTT'S DRIVEWAY - NIGHT Scott's truck pulling into driveway. Everyone climbing
out with extreme fatigue, slowly walking and carrying stuff inside... SCOTT You guys just crash, and let me
worry about unloading the truck. Everyone going straight inside, except Scott who opens
back of truck... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SCOTT'S DRIVEWAY - MORNING Same POV. Scott sitting on porch weeping. Amy (looks as
if she just woke), slowly comes outside, sitting next to Scott, who works to
dry his eyes. AMY Please tell me you got some
sleep? SCOTT I think so. Yeah, I was
dreaming, for at least a few seconds, so, yes. Amy snuggling her head against him with a yawn, and
closing her eyes, no idea he'd been crying... DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME INT. TREE HOUSE (boys room) - NIGHT Scott, Rhett, and Eli, all sitting. SCOTT I can hang out with the girls,
if you two are ready for lights out? ELI I know I am. Suddenly, power goes on, as lights from cabin flip on. SCOTT Holy crap! AMY (OS, from girls
room) Yeaaaah! You guys see that?!
That is a sign of better things to come, is what
that is! Amy giving Sam a joyous hug, as the others enter their
room, looking out window, toward the shining lights of the cabin. Sam heading
out of room. SAM I'll be right back, I need to
get something from the cabin. Amy nervously watching her, about to go with, as her dad
reaches for her arm. SCOTT Let her go. She'll be okay. I
need to tell you guys all something, anyhow... Amy curiously listening, yet near window with a check on
Sam. SCOTT I've been seeing someone, for a
while now. She's very special to me. She lives
in town, and I went to check on her, after you guys
crashed last night. Amy and others becoming quite curious. SCOTT There was no sign of her, at
her place. No sign of her kids. She had mentioned
earlier, of people setting up a place of refuge,
in town, somewhere. AMY Okay...can I just ask, if she's
so special, why weren't she and her kids coming
here, for refuge? Scott looking shameful, and
hesitant to answer... SCOTT Because she's married. To my
defense, she was separated, when it began. I
can't help how much I (choking up, on next word)
cared about her. Amy becoming concerned. AMY Cared? SCOTT I knew her husband was stuck in
the same jam as you guys, so, I had to find
her. I got there, and... (shaking head) Everyone inside...they
were all, dead...they'd all been shot. AMY What?! By who? SCOTT (shaking head) I heard someone alive. At least
two guys, maybe more. They had shopping carts
full of supplies, and were in there loading up. They
had guns. Suddenly, one of them began
freaking out, and then they both began shooting,
like crazy, but quickly running out of ammo.
All except one, must have been killed. He went out
the door. I went after him. I caught that
son of a b***h, and I looked into his eyes, as I
was choking the life right out of him. AMY You killed him? Scott shaking his head... SCOTT I dragged his sorry a*s back
inside, and locked everything up. More and more of
the dead were coming back. He woke up, just
in time to see me smiling, as they ate the flesh
right off his body. He was still screaming, and very
much alive, as they ripped that ugly swastika
tattoo right off his chest. Sam instantly running inside room, handing some items to
Amy, and bear-hugging her father, to everyone's extreme surprise. SAM (joyous crying) Thank you, thank you, thank
you! Thank you so much, for killing the man who
killed my daddy! Scott a wide-eyed look at the others. Quick flash of Sam's POV, from night before, of Man #1
climbing out of his car, and her memory of seeing the swastika tattoo on his
chest... POV Amy, and others in complete shock, at such a
revelation, and the way it has affected Sam, who continues to hug Scott. Amy
looks down at framed pictures in her hand (Sam had handed to her), of Sam and
her dad... BLACK CREDITS
THE END © 2024 Mike Decker |
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Added on December 31, 2018 Last Updated on March 13, 2024 Tags: The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Zombies, apocalypse Author
Mike Deckervancouver, WAAboutMy daughter and I are huge Walking Dead fans, and have put together our own spinoff series, of it... Above The Dead It's an absolute emotional mess, and a total suspense/thriller... https://w.. more..Writing
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